EU Backs Israel-Lebanon Framework and Hezbollah Disarmament

The European Union formally welcomed the Israel-Lebanon framework signed in Washington at 08:21 IDT and backed its call for Hezbollah's disarmament. The EU statement says Hezbollah disarmament would enable a progressive IDF redeployment, urges implementation through the trilateral Military Coordination Group and ties any lasting settlement to UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Brussels has also approved a 100 million euro package for the Lebanese Armed Forces to help restore state authority and a monopoly over arms. Israel should treat the endorsement as useful only if Europe helps enforce Hezbollah's dismantling rather than pressuring Jerusalem to give up northern security guarantees.